Hands-On With The Hamilton Pan-Europ, A 70s Racing Classic Revisted

There is no doubt that one of the trends to emerge from Baselworld 2014 was brands reviving classic models with small modern updates. Usually this means a slightly larger case and maybe some new functionality, all while retaining the design traits that made the original a classic in the first place. Hamilton unveiled the Pan-Europ, a sport watch that definitely carries all the 70s style of the original chronograph Pan-Europ. Here we take a closer look at this affordable re-issue.

There is no doubt that one of the trends to emerge from Baselworld 2014 was brands reviving classic models with small modern updates. Usually this means a slightly larger case and maybe some new functionality, all while retaining the design traits that made the original a classic in the first place. Hamilton unveiled the Pan-Europ, a sport watch that definitely carries all the 70s style of the original chronograph Pan-Europ. Here we take a closer look at this affordable re-issue.

The first Pan-Europ debuted in 1971 and was one of the very first automatic chronographs. It housed the legendary Calibre 11 movement (called the Chrono-matic by Hamilton) and hit all the style hallmarks of early 70s racing watches. There was the bold timing bezel with large numerals, bright colors, and the barrel shaped case, which you might recognize from the Heuer Autavias of the same era.

The watch we have here is a revival of the later non-chronograph Pan-Europ. The case is 42mm, suiting modern tastes, though the integrated lugs make it wear a little smaller. Most of the case is brushed, including the sides and the tops of the lugs, but there is a wide bevel around the edge that is highly polished, giving some shape and contrast to the design. The large "H" on the crown and the edge of the bezel are also polished, but the watch doesn't feel flashy or shiny at all.

There are two color options, one bolder and the other more subtle. The former is bright blue with a matching bezel, while the latter is grey with a black bezel. Both have a bright red seconds track from 0 to 15 seconds, adding just a little more color. The blue feels more 70s racer but might be a little much for some people. Each is available with a complementary nylon NATO strap or a perforated leather strap.

Inside the Pan-Europ is the caliber H-30, developed with ETA for Hamilton. It is the day/date version of Hamilton's 80-hour power reserve automatic movement, a cousin of Tissot's Powermatic 80 caliber. There's not any fancy finishing here, but the rotor is partially skeletonized with a big "H" and an engraved "Hamilton" and the plates have perlage finishes. Honestly, it's exactly what we would expect to see in a watch at this price point and a well-executed version at that.

The Hamilton Pan-Europ will be hitting retailers in the next month or two and will sell for $1,095 on the NATO strap and $1,145 on the leather strap. For more, visit Hamilton online.